A certainty that is expressed in infinite different expressions and that finds in the territories of the beautiful country a flourishing terrain through which to tell one's story. A splendid example of this is the wine-growing area of South Tyrol, known worldwide for its exceptional quality but also for the immense variety and diversity of shades that characterizes its territory: in only 5,500 hectares, about 20 different vines grow, an element truly unique in Italy. The variety of landscapes and cultures that are breathed in South Tyrol as well as Alpine and Mediterranean influences in fact contaminate the wines of the area, which surprise for their unique character and their peculiarities. Whether it is in the Isarco Valley, Val Venosta or Bolzano and surroundings, the winemakers and wineries of South Tyrol perfectly combine the rich winemaking tradition that characterizes this area with the very high quality levels that the sector requires today , managing to produce great wines appreciated all over the world. Among the red wines of South Tyrol, the two most famous indigenous vines are Schiava and Lagrein , which over time have become the undisputed spokespersons of the South Tyrolean wine quality that meets and marries a distant history full of charm.
Lagrein is one of the most characteristic and prized red berried vines of South Tyrol together with Schiava . The history of this noble wine is fascinating. The name first of all: some claimed that it came from the southernmost Vallagarina, a hypothesis supported by the similarity of the name. The first official news appears in 1318, when Lagrein wine is clearly mentioned in commercial documents. But Lagrein is much more, it has always been the star of the tables of the powerful, noble and ecclesiastical, it was a nectar reserved for a select few. Today there are 477 hectares dedicated to Lagrein and there is an area in particular that represents the cradle of its cultivation: the Bolzano basin . Here, in fact, there are the best conditions for this ancient variety to develop all its best peculiarities, thanks to the presence of gravelly alluvial soils that maintain the ideal warmth even in autumn so that the wines then develop valuable tannins. In the district of Gries, in Bolzano, there is the epicenter of cultivation with the presence of 128 hectares. In 2019, 26,914 hl of Lagrein were produced . It is a wine that does not appear on the market in an identical way, but in two versions that amplify the differences. In fact, although the common fruity trait and the softness of the sip are common to all types, in Kretzer, i.e. the rosé, the great freshness and delicate notes of small fruits emerge, in the Classic vinified in red the most exuberant nuances of ripe fruit . Lagrein shows a ruby red and intense garnet red color, with a pleasant scent of violets and blackberries and a full and velvety flavor. Lagrein goes well with game, red meats and aged cheeses.
Schiava represents another grape variety that occupies a prominent place in the viticulture of South Tyrol and is still today the most cultivated red grape variety in the province: 41,613 hectoliters produced in 2019 . Grape with ancient origins, identified with different names starting from the German "Vernatsch", Schiava has played a very important role in South Tyrolean viticulture since the 16th century. Although its extent has decreased over time, it has recently been experiencing a time of great attention and rediscovery by critics, professionals and simple enthusiasts. Today there are 684 hectares dedicated to this historic native South Tyrolean grape, 90% of which are located in two very famous and suitable sub-areas such as that of Santa Maddalena and that of Lake Caldaro, which together with that of the Meranese area represent the cradle of its cultivation on alluvial and detrital soils that insist on slopes up to 500 m altitude.
Delicate and subtle tannins, a pleasant acidity and a nose with notes of small fruits: these are some of the characteristics of the wines obtained from this grape variety. A variety that, at the same time, is capable of giving life to simple and ready-to-drink wines as well as interpretations of great charm and unsuspected longevity.
Two different vines with unmistakable personalities, two ancient stories that masterfully represent the infinite South Tyrolean wine quality that has always been appreciated and recognized all over the world.
The Alto Adige DOC wines, the Alto Adige PGI apple, the Speck Alto Adige PGI and the Stelvio DOP cheese have joined the three-year communication campaign: "Europe, where quality is at home".
The Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) of South Tyrolean wines has existed since 1971. Today more than 98% of the entire vineyard area of South Tyrol is classified as DOC. All the wines of the DOC area are subjected to rigorous quality controls - for example with a limitation of the maximum yield, minimum values of alcohol and acidity and much more. Thanks to its geographical position and to the mild and continental Alpine climate, South Tyrol is an extremely varied wine region with its 5,500 hectares of vineyards. Here 20 different vines grow - about 62% are white and 38% are red.
The Alto Adige PGI apple has been recognized by the EU as a protected geographical indication since 2005. With 300 sunny days a year, abundant rains in spring, a generally mild summer and autumn, the region offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of apples up to 1,000 meters above sea level. This unique climate, combined with controlled, natural and ecological cultivation, gives the South Tyrolean apple its typical juicy and crunchy quality. Currently, 13 varieties carry the PGI mark: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Morgenduft, Jonagold, Pinova, Red Delicious, Topaz, Winesap.
Speck Alto Adige PGI bears the protected geographical indication since 1996. The careful selection of pork, as well as the clear guidelines and controls during production make Speck Alto Adige PGI unmistakable. The motto of the producers "little salt, little smoke and lots of fresh air" is a key element of the traditional craftsmanship that has been handed down from generation to generation. Typical of South Tyrolean speck is its spicy and slightly smoked taste - only the best speck receives the historical seal of the brand.
Stelvio PDO cheese is recognized by the EU as the only South Tyrolean cheese with a protected designation of origin since 2007. A recognition that celebrates traditional quality and historical reference to the area of origin, with the production of "Stilfser" which dates back to 1914. This cheese is typical of the region and matures for at least 60 days. The processing of fresh cow's milk is carried out within 48 hours in the South Tyrolean mountain farms, most of which are located over 1,000 meters above sea level. The Stelvio of the Mila brand is currently produced in the Brunico plant and in the Burguscio alpine dairy.
